Navigating the Legal Landscape of Big Rig Accidents
The road can be a dangerous place, and few incidents exemplify this more than accidents involving big rig trucks. These large, powerful vehicles are a vital part of our economy, transporting goods across the nation. However, their size and weight make them a significant hazard when accidents occur.
A study from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute found that when there is a car-truck accident, the car drivers were assigned fault 81% of the time, compared to just 27% for truck drivers. This shows that other drivers often underestimate the operational capabilities of these large vehicles, such as their braking distances and blind spots, leading to dangerous situations1.
According to truck accident statistics, the majority of these accidents occur due to mechanical difficulties, especially those related to tires or brakes. Other common causes include driver fatigue, lack of route knowledge, and job pressure, which can lead to aggressive driving. Tragically, semi-trucks are involved in an accident that results in injury or death every 15 minutes in the U.S., leading to about half a million accidents and approximately 5,000 casualties per year1.
Fatalities in accidents involving big rigs are far from uncommon. Out of a total of 37,133 traffic fatalities in motor vehicle crashes, 4,102 involved a large truck or big rig. This accounts for about 11% of all traffic fatalities across the globe. Shockingly, 74% of all fatal passenger vehicle cases involve a large truck, and 68% of all truck fatalities are passenger vehicle occupants1.
The legal landscape surrounding big rig accidents is complex. While truck drivers and their employers are required to follow numerous safety regulations, there are situations where these rules are not adequately adhered to. This can lead to devastating consequences for those involved in accidents with these massive vehicles.
We stand up to the trucking industry, on your behalf, making sure you are compensated for your damages and injuries in your big rig accident case. If you, or someone you know, has been injured in a big rig accident, and it was not their fault, call us or contact the Law Offices, Stefan Robert Pancer, P.C. TODAY.
References:
PolicyAdvice. (2023). Big Rig Accident Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.policyadvice.net/car-insurance/insights/truck-accident-statistics/